Cinnamon coffee cake is a classic dessert that people of all ages love, but it is especially popular with teens. It is a perfect breakfast or snack, and it is also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to cinnamon coffee cake, including its history, recipe, some fun facts, and some tips for making the perfect cinnamon coffee cake.
History of Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cinnamon coffee cake is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was originally called “zimtsterne,” which means “cinnamon stars.” The cake was made with a streusel topping, which is a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that is crumbled over the top of the cake before it is baked.
Cinnamon coffee cake was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. The cake quickly became popular, and it is now a staple of American baking.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for cinnamon coffee cake that is perfect for teens:
For the Cake:
1. Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks, softened): Luxuriously creamy and rich, unsalted butter forms the backbone of our cake, imparting a velvety texture and unparalleled flavor. It contributes to the cake’s moistness, ensuring each bite is a decadent experience.
2. Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetness personified, granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also plays a crucial role in creating a tender crumb and golden-brown exterior during baking. It’s the sweet symphony that elevates the entire dessert.
3. Large Eggs (3): Eggs, the binding agents of our creation, add structure and stability to the cake. They bring a delightful richness and help achieve the perfect balance between fluffiness and density.
4. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Elevating the flavor profile, vanilla extract introduces warm and aromatic undertones, enhancing the overall sensory experience. It’s the subtle touch that rounds off the sweetness and adds a layer of sophistication.
5. All-Purpose Flour (2 and 1/4 cups): The foundation of our cake, all-purpose flour provides structure. Its versatile nature ensures the cake achieves the ideal balance of lightness and density, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
6. Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): A leavening agent that imparts a gentle rise to our cake, baking powder contributes to its airy texture. It ensures the final product is soft and fluffy, a delight to the palate.
7. Baking Soda (1/4 teaspoon): Partnering with baking powder, baking soda helps leaven the cake, promoting a tender crumb. Its minimal quantity ensures a subtle rise without overpowering the other flavors.
8. Salt (1/2 teaspoon): The unsung hero, salt enhances and balances the sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile. It acts as a flavor enhancer, ensuring each ingredient shines in perfect harmony.
9. Sour Cream (1 cup): A secret weapon for moisture, sour cream brings a luscious tang to the cake. Its addition ensures the cake remains wonderfully moist, while the slight acidity adds a depth of flavor.
10. Milk (1/4 cup): Adding a touch of liquid luxury, milk contributes to the cake’s richness and helps achieve the desired batter consistency. It’s the finishing touch that ensures a velvety texture.
For the Streusel Topping:
11. Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): The soul of the streusel, brown sugar infuses a warm, caramel-like sweetness. Its packed nature ensures a delightful crumbly texture, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
12. All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Partnering with brown sugar, flour forms the streusel’s structure, creating those irresistible, golden-brown crumbs. It’s the textural contrast that elevates the overall cake experience.
13. Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Aromatic and warming, ground cinnamon introduces a delightful spice that complements the sweetness of the streusel. It’s the aromatic dance partner that adds depth to the topping.
14. Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup / 1/2 stick, cold and cubed): The final touch to our streusel, cold and cubed butter creates a crumbly texture. It melts during baking, leaving behind pockets of buttery goodness that enhance both flavor and texture.
Fun Facts About Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cinnamon coffee cake is the official state cake of New Jersey.
The world’s largest cinnamon cake was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2013. It weighed over 1,000 pounds and was over 6 feet long.
Cinnamon coffee cake is a popular dessert in many countries around the world, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 113 grams 0.5 US cups unsalted butter, softened
- 170 grams 0.75 US cups granulated sugar
- 5 milliliters 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 227 grams 2 US cups all-purpose flour
- 5 grams 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 grams 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 177 milliliters 0.75 US cups milk
Streusel Topping:
- 57 grams 0.25 US cups unsalted butter, softened
- 85 grams 0.5 US cups all-purpose flour
- 55 grams 0.25 US cups granulated sugar
- 5 grams 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Turn on the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Make the cake: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake
For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in the streusel topping.
To make the cake extra moist, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
For a fun twist, try adding a layer of chocolate chips or Nutella to the middle of the cake before baking.
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking pan, you can use two 8×8-inch baking pans instead. Just be sure to reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Why Teens Love Cinnamon Coffee Cake
There are many reasons why teens love this delicious dessert. For one, it is a delicious and satisfying treat. Combining the sweet, fluffy cake and the crunchy, cinnamon-flavored streusel topping is irresistible.
Cinnamon coffee cake is also a relatively easy dessert to make. Teens can make it on their own, or they can bake it with friends or family.
Additionally, cinnamon coffee cake is a versatile dessert. It can be eaten for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It can also be enjoyed with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or milk.
If you are a teenager, or if you know a teenager who loves to bake, I encourage you to try this cinnamon coffee cake recipe. It is a surefire hit!
And if your sweet tooth is still not satisfied and you want to try something different; take a look at our fudge cake recipe.
